Kellie Harper hires second assistant coach to staff
COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)
Mizzou Women's Basketball has found its second assistant for head coach Kellie Harper's staff.
The team announced that Harper is adding Missouri State assistant coach Kenzie Kostas to her coaching staff, following three seasons with the Bears.
"Kenzie will be a strong asset for the program," Harper said in Thursday's press release. "She is a relentless recruiter and has strong ties in the state of Missouri. She was a terrific player and possess a great basketball mind. Her complete understanding of the game will allow our players to be prepared in all situations. I am thrilled to welcome her and her family to Columbia."
Kostas, who served as an assistant on Missouri State head coach Beth Cunningham's staff, helped guide her alma mater to a 69-31 overall record and two postseason tournament berths in three years, including an appearance in the second round of the NCAA Tournament this season. Missouri State also claimed multiple accolades during her tenure, such as Missouri Valley Conference (MVC) Defensive Player of the Year, Sixth Player of the Year, Newcomer of the Year and several All-Freshman and All-Newcomer team selections.
Before that, Kostas was an assistant coach at Florida Atlantic University (FAU) under Jennifer Sullivan, who Harper hired to her staff on Tuesday. She also spent five seasons as Central Missouri, four as an assistant, helping lead the program to a 105-19 record, two Mid-America Intercollegiate Athletics Association (MIAA) regular season titles, an MIAA Tournament Championship, two NCAA Regional titles and a national championship.
As a player, Harper actually coached Kostas for three of her four collegiate seasons during her six-year tenure at Missouri State. Kostas made 119 appearances in the starting lineup with the Bears in her career and was a three-time All-MVC selection. The Mt. Vernon native ended her time at Missouri State as one of just four players in program history to reach 1,000 career points, 500 rebounds, 200 steals, 200 assists and 50 blocks.
MU is preparing to formally introduce Harper as the new leader of Mizzou Women's Basketball on Monday, March 31 at 11 a.m. inside the Mizzou Arena Practice Gym. Admission to the event is free and open to the public.
